FIFA has unveiled the official poster for the 2026 World Cup, bearing the powerful slogan: “42 nations. 1 dream.” The 19 November reveal coincides with the conclusion of continental qualification rounds worldwide.

With host nations United States, Canada, and Mexico preparing for the largest World Cup in history, 42 teams have already secured their places. Twenty-two additional spots remain open. These will be contested through continental and intercontinental playoffs.

Qualified Teams by Continent

European Powerhouses

Europe’s qualified teams include traditional giants: England, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Croatia, Netherlands, Austria, Belgium, Scotland, Switzerland, and Norway.

African Representatives

Nine African nations qualified after intense matches: Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Tunisia, South Africa, Cape Verde, and Ghana.

South American Contenders

Defending champions Argentina will compete alongside Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Ecuador, and Paraguay from South America.

Asian and Regional Qualifiers

Asia secured eight slots: Japan, Iran, South Korea, Australia, Uzbekistan, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. CONCACAF qualifiers Panama, Haiti, and Curaçao join the hosts. New Zealand represents Oceania as the region’s sole direct qualifier.

Playoff Structures

European Playoff Format

Sixteen European teams enter playoffs across four groups. Pot 1 features Italy, Denmark, Turkey, and Ukraine. Pot 2 contains Poland, Wales, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Pot 3 includes Ireland, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo. Romania, Sweden, North Macedonia, and Northern Ireland complete the lineup via the Nations League pathway.

Each group will host single-leg semi-finals and finals. Top seeds face fourth-seeded teams at home. Second seeds host third seeds. Final venues will be decided by draw.

Intercontinental Playoffs

Two final spots will be determined through intercontinental playoffs. Seeded teams Iraq and DR Congo await opponents from knockout matches between Bolivia, Jamaica, Suriname, and New Caledonia. FIFA confirms Mexico will host all intercontinental playoff fixtures.